Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Friday, March 16, 2012

When we lived in Memphis, I took every opportunity to go to all the amazing design show homes that were featured every year. Every room had inventive floral arrangements that often captured my attention more than the rooms themselves. I don't feel like I have "the gift" of floral design, but I certainly love to play. Those show homes further developed my appreciation of floral design.

At one of the tour of homes, I literally stopped dead in my tracks when I saw a huge grapevine Easter basket with colorful dinosaur-sized eggs. I love me some big ol' arrangements. The bigger the better.

I tracked down the florist that made the Easter basket and asked him where he bought it. I just HAD to have one! The florist with the Pepto-pink tie and jacket said "Oh honey child. You don't buy those Easter baskets. You make them! It's so easy. I'm not telling many people because I know it'll be on every front porch in Germantown." That sweet man led me over and started whispering how to make the basket. The rest is history. Well, except it's taken me 15 years to make it.

I've adapted his version a bit. He used grapevine garland, but I decided to try it with varying sizes of wreaths. Here's that TOP secret Easter basket. (Hopefully it won't go gangbusters like the infamous hot-glued burlap Christmas tree skirt, but oh well if it does.)

Grapevine Wreath Easter Basket

*Makes (1) 3-3.5 ft basket

Supplies Used:

Grapevine Wreaths- (2) 14", (3) 18", (5-6) 24". One of your 24" wreaths will be used for the handle. This number can vary depending on the thickness of the wreaths. I bought my wreaths at Hobby Lobby. I find they have a bigger selection than Michael's. Just get a cart and go to that back corner and plan to camp out a while. Stack from smallest to largest to find the wreaths that fit well together. People will look at you like you're crazy, but it's worth spending the extra time getting the look you want. *Note: you will make a big mess in the floor. In my mom voice--"Don't leave it for someone to trip on or the employees to clean up."

Gloves-You may want to put on an old pair of gloves. The grapevine can scratch your hands and arms pretty badly.

Wire cutters to cut one of the wreaths for the handle

Medium gauge wire or zip ties to attach the wreaths together

Roll of large gauge floral wire-This is used to secure the "handle" to the basket and for any needed internal support for flower pots, etc.

Directions:

Stack the 2 smallest wreaths. Attach them together on the inside of the wreaths with zip ties or floral wire. I connect them at 3,6,9, and 12 o'clock. Make sure you put the ties or wire through the thick parts of the vine.

Continue securing the wreaths together. Periodically check to make sure that the wreaths are symmetrical and arranged the way you want. Lift up the "basket" to make sure there aren't any gaps that need to be secured.

Using wire cutters, cut one of the largest wreaths in one place to form the handle. I tried to find a wreath that was more oval in shape for the handle.

Carefully tuck one end of the handle between the top 2 wreaths. Once secure, start wiring with heavy gauge wire. Repeat with the other side.

You may want to "build up" an base inside the basket if you plan on using an arrangement. I used heavy gauge wire and made a spider web design for the potted flowers I used.

Double check to make sure there aren't any spots that need to be adjusted or secured. Remember-don't pick this up by the handle. Always hold from the bottom. You can't bounce around with this basket like Dorothy heading down the Yellow Brick Road.

ALL FINISHED!

This weekend, I'll post pics of how I decorated my basket, along with a few of my Easter decorations.

If you decide to make this, please let me know! I'd love to see the finished results.

About Me

I'm a Southern girl transplanted to the Midwest. As I try to adapt, I make no apologies for my accent and good manners. I love to "dish" on whatever comes to mind, whether it be my family, decorating, fashion, food, or just life in general. I'm married and have 2 wonderful daughters.